Sheff Utd V Coventry at Bramall Lane - Match Preview




Collins in line for Blades start

Sheffield United defender Neill Collins could return to the starting line-up against Coventry on Friday night.

The centre-half made his first appearance since suffering a triple fracture of his cheekbone in the Boxing Day win over Scunthorpe when he stepped off the bench in last week's FA Cup defeat at Reading.

Collins, wearing a protective mask, suffered a bang in the face during training this week, but suffered no further damage and will feature.

Fellow defender Marcus Williams is hoping to return to full fitness having been ruled out of the last two games through illness, but the Blades will be without striker Nick Blackman, who was sold to Reading on Wednesday for a reported #1.2million.

Richard Cresswell and Ryan Flynn will be vying to start in place of Blackman, while young striker Joe Ironside is still waiting for his first start after making nine substitute appearances this season.

Manager Danny Wilson has no new injury or suspension problems.

Coventry have a clean bill of health as they travel north.

Boss Mark Robins confirmed that there were no new problems picked up from the 2-2 draw with Preston at the weekend which stretched the Sky Blues' unbeaten run to three matches.

Coventry go into the game four points behind the sixth-placed Blades and could take a giant stride towards a play-off place with a victory.

Robins has David Bell and Callum Ball available should he feel the need to make any changes.

Midfielder Bell has yet to make an appearance this season after suffering a broken metatarsal in training following his comeback from a hip problem, but netted twice for the club's Under-21s side in midweek.

On-loan striker Ball has also recovered from a foot injury and both are in contention at Bramall Lane.

Source: PA

Source: PA